Representing the 24th District of New York

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STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOHN KATKO ON RICO PROSECUTIONS

October 29, 2018

Press Release

Syracuse, New York — Congressman John Katko (NY-24) today released the following statement regarding the announcement by U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith that fourteen "110 gang" members will be prosecuted under federal anti-racketeering law:

"It is welcome news to see that the U.S. Attorney's office is again applying RICO standards to prosecute gang violence. When I first started using this innovative tool back in 2002, these prosecutions had a profound impact on our community, decreasing violence in the city of Syracuse. With gang violence once again plaguing the city, these prosecutions will help rid our streets of crime and drugs and make our community a safer place."

Prior to representing Central New York in Congress, Congressman John Katko served as an organized crime and narcotics prosecutor for nearly 20 years. He led the Syracuse Gang Violence Task Force and used RICO laws to prosecute gangs in the City of Syracuse. He helped put away more than 130 gang members over 11 years.